SCOTS rugby international Euan Murray has spoken for the first time about why his faith led him to quit playing on Sundays.

SCOTS rugby international Euan Murray has spoken for the first time about why his faith led him to quit playing on Sundays.

The 29-year-old has told how he even snubs coffee or dinner invitations on the Sabbath as he does not want to "encourage other people to work".

Euan said: "It's basically all or nothing, following Jesus. I don't believe in pick 'n' mix Christianity. I believe the bible is the word of God, so who am I to ignore something from it?

"I might as well tear out that page then keep tearing out pages as and when it suits me. If I started out like that there would soon be nothing left."

Euan's recent decision to keep Sunday as a day of worship means he will miss Scotland's opening Six Nations game against France on February 7 and, potentially, some key matches with his club, Northampton.

Despite his religious stand, Euan has played for Scotland before on a Sunday - in the 2008 Six Nations against France.

But he said turning out on the Sabbath grew increasingly painful.

Euan, who has 28 caps, said: "I was going against my conscience and it became impossible to enjoy.